Toshi’s Penthouse in NYC was host of the National Peace Corps Association’s (NPCA) successful Ebola Relief Fundraiser on Nov. 17th. A large group of NPCA supporters and former Peace Corps Volunteers mixed and mingled during live music performances and comedic intermissions. “The fundraiser generated thousands of dollars in donations that will go directly to vetted West African organizations dealing with the Ebola crisis,” commented Jersey City filmmaker and former Peace Corps Volunteer (Guatemala) RJ Harper.

“There was an awesomely committed team of Toshi patrons that also really made this event so special to me” said, event organizer, Antasha Durbin. “We certainly hope that other organizations concerned about the Ebola crisis step up and organize their indivdual networks and try to make a lasting impact on these countries and especially the children in need” she said. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that “there may be over one million Ebola cases by January 2015 if things don’t change.” The National Peace Corps Association is making tremendous strides in America and in West Africa bridging the gaps in the Ebola crisis because so many former Peace Corps professionals served in those affected countries. Americans really want to do something positive about the Ebola crisis and it appears that the NPCA Ebola Relief Fund is the best route to making a big impact on this growing healthcare crisis,” says Harper.

THANK YOU for helping us raise over $20,000 last year from people who care and support the Peace Corps mission abroad! This year, we are aiming even higher and we are counting on you.

You asked for it, and we listened–the “Peace Corps Africa–Everywhere Else Is Irrelephant” tee is back! This time, it’s available in men and youth sizes in beautiful blue AND there’s a ladies version in bold fuchsia. The cost is $15, and it will be available until March 8th.

In February of 2014, AARPCV donated the final $3,100 towards a maternity house construction project led by a Peace Corps Volunteer in Togo. The project, which is now finished, provides a safe place to stay adjacent to the health clinic for women who are in their last month of pregnancy.

So remember, all funds raised go towards Peace Corps Partnership grants. Again, thank you so much! We could not have done all this without your love and support!

Peace Corps week is coming up in early March, marking the 54th anniversary of the establishment of the Peace Corps.

Activities will take place in New Jersey and participation by Returned Volunteers will provide an opportunity to fulfill the Peace Corps Third Goal:

To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans

The Peace Corps’ theme for 2015 is to recognize Host Country Heros.

Please mark your calendars and

Look for RPCV-NJ eBlast messages with more details on NJ events for that week and help out if you are available.

Consider reaching out to a school/university or organization in your area to give a presentation. Registering through World Wise Schools (WWS) http://www.peacecorps.gov/wws/ can help connect you with people looking for speakers in your geographic area. The WWS site also provides access to educational materials for your use.

The Peace Corps Community Archive curated by the American University Library collects, preserves, and makes available materials that were created and acquired by Peace Corps Volunteers. The archive is used to support student and scholarly research, create exhibits, and provide educational and public programs that document the experiences and impact of individuals who served in the Peace Corps.

What the Community Archive Needs from You

Started in 2012, the archive continues to solicit donations from RPCVs. Materials created and/or acquired by volunteers during their service can be donated, such as: correspondence, diaries, film, photographs, reports, lesson plans, scrapbooks, and sound recordings.

Why You Should Donate Materials to the Community Archive

Personal memorabilia from RPCVs’ service are needed in order to create a living history of the Peace Corps and the communities where volunteers have served. In order for the archive to provide rich and detailed information about this history, it must include materials from as many different countries of service and time periods as possible. By donating to the archive you will be ensuring that your personal legacy of Peace Corps service will not be forgotten; instead, your service will continue to have a positive impact for generations to come.

Why American University

American University has enjoyed a long standing relationship with the Peace Corps, including President Kennedy’s commencement speech on peace in 1963. American University’s location in Washington DC, near the National Archives and Peace Corps Headquarters, makes it a very convenient location for RPCVs and future scholars to visit.

How Can You Donate to the Collection

If you are interested in making a donation please contact the archive at archives@american.edu by telephone at +1 (202) 885-3256. Our trained archivists will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process of making a donation.

With your support, RPCV-NJ has been able to help provide funding for a Peace Corps project in Senegal. Here is an update from the volunteer who organized a week-long leadership development program for girls. Continue reading →